FlipStart Blurs the Line Between Handheld and Laptop

With some devices, the line between handheld computer and laptop computer can be very blurry. Such a device is Vulcan Inc.'s upcoming product, the FlipStart. This runs a full version of Windows XP, but it is just slightly bigger than Sharp's Clamshell Zaurus line. It has a 1024-by-600-pixel display, but its keyboard is so small it must be used with the thumbs.

Many of the specifications of the FlipStart sound like a laptop. It uses a 1 GHz processor and includes 256 MB of RAM and a 30 GB hard drive. It even uses the traditional laptop design.

But there can be no doubt this is no typical laptop. It is 5.8 inches wide, 4 inches tall, and 1 inch thick. It weighs 1 pound. It includes a built-in trackpad so it can be used without a mouse.

The FlipStart has integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi wireless networking and a USB 2.0 port. Optional features include Bluetooth and Ethernet.

It's main screen is 5.6 inches, but the consumer has the option of getting the Low-Power Interactive Display module. Among other features, this includes a small screen on the outside of the device that gives access to email, calendar information, and the MP3 player. However, its main screen is not a touch screen.

This device includes a 1.3 megapixel digital camera.

Vulcan has not yet said when the FlipStart will cost. The release is expected before the middle of this year.

Thanks to I4U for the tip.

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